Why did he have to pay for seat selection? Even without any status it is only saver tickets where you have to pay for seat selection prior to OLCI. If for some reason it is essential rather than just desirable then it is worth checking the prices of flex tickets which are sometimes not that more in terms of cost yet normally provide more than double the tier miles.

As for priority boarding I agree, why would you want to be on the aircraft any longer than you need to be? Especially in economy!?

Shows we're all different as I always make use of prority boarding in Y. I always go for an exit row so there are usually less choices of overhead space, and I like getting my seat area organised before anyone else gets there. Overheads always seem especially busy on my usual routes too when I'm looking at others put their stuff away.

If I'm going to be there for 6 or 7 hours or more, what's another 10 or 15 minutes? :)

But it is not 10 to 15 minutes. Normally from boarding beginning to gate closing is 30 minutes. Often boarding starts earlier than the stated time if the aircraft is ready and boarding often goes past the stated gate closure time. For eg, I have just moved off from the gate, last passenger got on at 09.20 and boarding started at 8.30. That’s potentially and extra 50 minutes sat in an economy seat?! No thanks!

I value the overhead space and getting myself organised much more than not doing so.

Even if it was 50 minutes, in that time you might be up and down letting others in your row a couple of times, or if your in the aisle you can get up at your leisure. I've normally got a bellyful of beer so at the loo at least once, or some may go for a drink of water. Let's say 25 minutes sat down, it's less than 6% addition to a 7 hour flight (where it's not necessary to remain seated anyway) which is trivial in my mind. I know we're all different, with different preferences and views, but when I think of it like that (the 6% extra) it just seems so minimal to give up for my own personal peace of mind.